Infrared-to-ultraviolet upconverting nanoparticles for COVID-19-related disinfection applications

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for better UV sources has increased drastically. Recent advances in Ln-based upconverting nanoparticle (UCNP) designs have led to dramatic increases in efficiency – beyond what is possible in bulk upconverting material – for generating short-wavelength light from long-wavelength photons, pushing achievable upconversion into the UV regime. Such nanoparticles represent an ultimate source of ultra-local UV light, with applications in UV photocatalysis, 3D printing and manufacturing, and perhaps most importantly, health care. The goal of this article is to provide an assessment for the application of UCNPs as local UV sources for disinfection. We map out the potential for incorporation into PPE, focusing on N95 face masks as a model system. Performance and viability are evaluated based on recent UCNP findings and extrapolating cost trends following the recent example of commercialized semiconductor quantum dot nanoparticles.

Practice Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

On March 14, 2020, the Surgeon General of the United States urged a widespread cessation of all elective surgery across the country. The suddenness of this mandate and the concomitant spread of the COVID-19 virus left many hospital systems, orthopaedic practices, and patients with notable anxiety and confusion as to the near, intermediate, and long-term future of our healthcare system. As with most businesses in the United States during this time, many orthopaedic practices have been emotionally and fiscally devastated because of this crisis. Furthermore, this pandemic is occurring at a time where small and midsized orthopaedic groups are already struggling to cover practice overhead and to maintain autonomy from larger health systems. It is anticipated that many groups will experience financial demise, leading to substantial global consolidation. Because the authors represent some of the larger musculoskeletal multispecialty groups in the country, we are uniquely positioned to provide a framework with recommendations to best weather the ensuing months. We think these recommendations will allow providers and their staff to return to an infrastructure that can adjust immediately to the pent-up healthcare demand that may occur after the COVID-19 pandemic. In this editorial, we address practice finances, staffing, telehealth, operational plans after the crisis, and ethical considerations.